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Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma (LPC) Legal Practice Postgraduate Diploma (LPC) University of Westminster ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1534160506University of Westminster.jpg

University of Westminster

Masters Degree , Legal Practice

Course Description

If you want to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales, you will need to complete the Legal Practice Course (LPC) – the vocational stage of training that bridges the gap between academic studies and life in a law firm. Westminster Law School has a well established reputation for the delivery of solicitors' vocational training, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful 21st-century lawyer.

On successful completion of the LPC, you can apply to transfer to the research and dissertation stage of the Legal Practice LLM. The fee to progress to the LLM is £2,000 in 2020/21.

Distinctive features of the course include:

  • Highly experienced and approachable lecturers who are all qualified solicitors or barristers.
  • Small, interactive group work, allowing you to benefit from individual guidance and help.
  • All sessions are set within a balanced timetable to replicate the tasks undertaken in practice.
  • A broad range of Stage 2 electives, reflecting areas of practice from high-street to city firms.
  • The opportunity to undertake real client legal work under the supervision of tutors working in the Student Law Centre. The focus is on experiential learning through reflection, analysis and planning.
  • A mentoring scheme which pairs you with mentors working in an area you are interested in. Our mentors are predominantly former Westminster LPC students who are now working in an area of legal practice.

The course is taught at Westminster Law School's recently refurbished state-of-the-art premises in the heart of London's West End and within the vicinity of many law firms.

Course Content

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Westminster's LPC assessments meet SRA expectations. They are designed to be realistic and constructive by genuinely testing you and enabling you to demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills through a mixture of written examinations and practical assessments. Assessment takes place throughout Stage 1 of the LPC and at the end of Stage 2 electives. Generally, the assessments are 'open book' and you are allowed to use both textbooks and your own written notes. You are timetabled to allow sufficient revision and preparation time for examinations and assessments.

LPC STAGE 1

  • Core Practice Areas of Business Law and Practice, Criminal and Civil Litigation and Property Law and Practice
  • Professional Conduct and Regulation, Wills and Administration of Estates, Solicitors Accounts and Taxation
  • Skills – Practical Legal Research, Interviewing and Advising, Writing, Drafting and Advocacy

LPC STAGE 2

Private client electives:

  • Family Law
  • Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence
  • Immigration Law
  • Housing Law
  • Employment Law

Commercial electives:

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Private Acquisitions
  • Entertainment and Media
  • Commercial Property
  • Commercial Law

 

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Qualifying Law degree or non-law degree followed by Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) or Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) Level 6 qualification. Students must have covered the following seven law topics: Constitutional and Administrative Law, The Law Contract, Equity and Trusts, EU Law, Land Law (Property Law) or Law or Torts. If you have previously studied the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) or Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) within last five years, you may be eligible for exemptions. Due to recent changes to Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA) regulations, it is important that you have met SRA education and training requirements for the purpose of the LPC before you enrol on the course. If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing. Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.

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